Geo-restrictions on digital platforms or how to enjoy your libraries while traveling
Entertainment is a significant part of our daily lives, and the variety of media content is so big that many of us have become heavy users of streaming platforms. This is not just an observation but data that proves our love of movies, TV shows, and even video games. According to Statista, Netflix which is the giant of the streaming market currently has more than 270 million subscribers. To understand the dynamics, let’s break it down into the data from the past 10 years, and it will show that Netflix’s growth has been steady and significant growing from 46 million users in 2014 to what we have today.
However, Netflix is just one example to present our connection to streaming services and other means of entertainment which unfortunately doesn’t get along with our other passion – traveling. Let’s be honest, traveling is a little different in our days given the variety of housing options. People don’t have to pay for a hotel when there are good offers from Airbnb and other similar companies that provide a space to landlords to advertise their apartments. With this being said, many of us don’t just travel for 3 or 4 days to visit a new city but rather take a long trip and stay for 1-2 weeks or even a month.
Although entertainment is a part of any trip, unfortunately, the majority of platforms have geo-restrictions, which means much of their content is available in only certain locations, and once you are away from your home, you are away from your digital libraries too. But worry not, we have some instructions about how to stay connected to your favorite entertainment platform while traveling.
VPN for multiple types of platforms
When it comes to the efforts to avoid geo-restrictions, a Virtual Private Network is a valuable tool for accessing digital content. Notably, a reliable VPN is versatile and can be used across multiple platforms. Whether you enjoy streaming television shows, playing online games, or engaging in online live casino offers, a VPN can provide access.
Many digital casino platforms also impose geographic restrictions. Consequently, individuals who appreciate virtual poker or blackjack might find a VPN helpful for uninterrupted gameplay while traveling. Since casino games became a part of the entertainment experience for many people, they now share a lot of similarities with other entertainment platforms, and it’s a big advantage that having a VPN for streaming services now means having a VPN for gaming too.
The economic advantage of using a single VPN for various platforms is significant. Instead of subscribing to multiple services, users can benefit from a comprehensive solution. This approach offers efficiency similar to using a universal remote control for electronic devices.
One thing to keep in mind is that many digital services are getting equipped very well against VPN, and you don’t have to be surprised when even browsing through a VPN still brings an Error message.
Do your homework: Download
Previously, travelers often filled suitcases with books and DVDs for extended journeys. While this practice has become less common, the underlying principle of preparation remains relevant. Many streaming platforms now offer download options for offline viewing.
The process of downloading content is generally simple. Before embarking on a trip, users should connect to home Wi-Fi, access their streaming application, and select the download option for desired titles. Some platforms even provide a feature to automatically download content based on viewing preferences. But be careful here, because many people activate this function and then forget about it which means the device keeps downloading content even after the trip. This is a big burden on any device since downloads occupy memory space and slow down the work of a laptop or a smartphone.
Also, it is important to note that downloaded content may have expiration dates. Consequently, travelers should verify that their selected programs will remain accessible throughout their trip.
Own a portable streaming device
These small devices can get around location restrictions, letting you watch your own movies and shows while traveling. The Roku Streaming Stick+, for example, turns any TV with an HDMI port into a home entertainment center. You just connect it to Wi-Fi to use your streaming services like you would at home.
These devices work by pretending to be at your home address. So even if you’re in another country, the device thinks it’s still at home, and you can watch your usual stuff.
These devices are really popular because they’re so useful. Roku said it had 80 million active users at the end of 2023. This shows that lots of people want to watch what they want, no matter where they are.
While these devices facilitate access to home country content, they do not guarantee access to local programming in the travel destination. Nonetheless, for many travelers, the ability to continue enjoying familiar shows and playlists is highly valued.